Funerallink Blogs

Category: Life and Funeral Plan

  • Different Kinds of Caskets Available in the Philippines and How Much Does It Cost

    Different Kinds of Caskets Available in the Philippines and How Much Does It Cost

    Caskets are a form of art meant to reflect the personality and life of the person who passed. It helps preserve the body, allowing family and friends to say goodbye to their loved ones. It is a final gesture of love and respect, but also a last act of closure.

    Caskets can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or fabric. They can be solid or open-faced, with or without handles. A well-designed coffin can help provide comfort to those who are mourning.

    Different Kinds of Caskets Available in the Philippines and How Much Does It Cost

    Different kinds of caskets available in the Philippines:

    • Wood

    Wooden caskets are available in a wide range of styles and price points. It is a popular choice for those who want their loved ones to be buried in an eco-friendly manner. The high-end designs are made with hardwood like oak, mahogany, or maple. There are low-priced caskets, but oftentimes, they are not on display. 

    Wooden casket price ranges between PHP 3,000 to millions. 

    • Metal

    The price of metal caskets will vary depending on the thickness of the steel used. The thickness of the steel depends on its gauge. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. This means that it will be more expensive when the gauge decreases.

    Metal casket prices range between PHP 16,000 to millions. Some funeral homes offer a warranty for longevity to their select metal casket.

    • Fiberglass

    Fiberglass caskets are made of polymer resin mixed with glass fibers. They are lightweight and durable and can be produced in any shape or size. They are also available in many different colors, which is not typical for other types of caskets.

    Other features

    • Exterior design

    It is common in the Philippines that people to choose ready-made caskets as they are more affordable. However, custom-made caskets are also available, but might cost more. 

    The casket shell is covered in a protective coating such as lacquer or varnish. Some casket makers accept customization and would paint the casket shell with other colors or wrapped with images to reflect the personality of the deceased. Other external parts of the casket can be customized as well, such as the handles and corners.

    • Interior design

    The lining inside the casket is usually made from a more economical material like polyester and it serves as a bed for the body. The type of material chosen for this purpose varies depending on factors such as cost and personal preference. A velvet or silk lining, for example, may be preferred by some.

    Some caskets have gaskets. The gaskets provide a seal between two objects to cushion or isolate them from the outside environment. Caskets are closed with a lid and then sealed with a gasket, which is a piece of rubber or other material. Gaskets may help preserve the body for an extended period, however, it doesn’t stop the body from decomposing.

    • Internal compartment

    A memory compartment is a special place where the family can put in small items that they want to go with the deceased. This could be pictures, messages, or something special.

    Planning for the future is a difficult task, especially when it comes to funeral expenses. With rising costs and limited budgets, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make sure that funeral costs are covered. Fortunately, there are ways to make funeral planning more affordable. By taking steps such as investing in a pre-need life plan, individuals can ensure that their loved ones are not burdened with expensive funeral expenses after they pass away.

  • Which Is Better, Cremation Or Traditional Burial?

    Which Is Better, Cremation Or Traditional Burial?

    These days, most people prefer cremation to traditional funerals because it saves money, provided the funeral home is transparent and does not trick you with expensive add-ons. Direct cremation not only saves you the cost of a wake and funeral service, but also you can save by getting a burial space. 

    Nevertheless, choosing whether the departed loved one will be cremated or traditional burial is a personal decision taken by the person or members of the family. Also, take into consideration the wishes, feelings, and beliefs of your deceased relative. 

    Cremation or Burial: What are the differences?

    Which Is Better, Cremation Or Traditional Burial?

    Both cremation and burial can happen immediately after death, after a traditional funeral service, or before a memorial service. However, in cremation where the body is incinerated, the family can keep the ashes, scattered, buried in the soil or in a columbarium while in the traditional burial, the body can be buried in the ground or buried in a mausoleum. With both options, incineration is generally the most economical solution.

    Respecting the deceased and myths

    When deciding between burial and cremation, some objections and questions come up. One of the most common concerns is to respect the memory of the deceased and, by extension, their body. In some cultures, preserving the body is important while for others, it is unacceptable to have the remains buried underground.

    While in some places, the wake is a major part of the funeral ritual. A lot of people mistakenly think that the choice of cremation as an option makes that impossible. In fact, it is not unusual to hold a viewing before the cremation.

    Which is eco-friendly, burial or cremation?

    Cremations are now promoted for social, technological, and philosophical reasons. For example, with rapid industrialization, more land is needed. As such, there are concerns about public hygiene due to corpses buried near the surface of the earth. Furthermore, technological advances have led to the creation of modern cremation equipment which can help reduce the body to its basic elements. However, one could protest about the gas emissions during cremation.

    There has recently been a rise in the popularity of what is commonly known as natural or ecological burials. These types of funerals do not use embalming fluids and coffins are made of environmentally responsible and biodegradable materials. 

    Respecting the beliefs

    Religious and cultural beliefs are also important in that decision. With the exception of Orthodox Judaism, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Islam, most religions embrace the cremation process.  In fact, it has been practiced in Hinduism from time immemorial. For them,  cremation not only serves as a way to dispose of the body, but also helps the deceased soul on its journey to the next world. While for some religions, earthly burial symbolizes the burial and resurrection of Christ. 

    It is important to respect the deceased or the family’s religious beliefs. Choosing which one is better is a deeply personal choice. To make it easier for the family to decide, getting a pre-planned funeral service is recommended. Pre-need life plan allows you to prepare for a funeral. It might sound crazy, but your family will have peace of mind knowing that everything has been prepared. In any case, you can always talk to a funeral director so you will be guided properly.

     

  • Getting a Pre-Need Life Plan Will Make Your Family Feel Less Stressful and Easy

    Getting a Pre-Need Life Plan Will Make Your Family Feel Less Stressful and Easy

    Think about it: after receiving this devastating news, your family is given a few days to plan your funeral. Whether it’s the choice of a funeral home, the way your remains are handled, a headstone, or related services, they are forced to make crucial decisions in the event of extreme emotional trauma. In addition, some family members may not agree on the details, resulting in extra anxiety for everyone. Neither of us can control when or how we die, but we can facilitate the process for those who are left behind.

    By having a pre-need life plan, you relieve some of the stress on survivors, as you have made all important decisions in advance. Preparing for your funeral allows you to document your decisions and leave no doubt about your last wishes.

    Getting a Pre-Need Life Plan Will Make Your Family Feel Less Stressful and Easy

    There are many advantages to planning a funeral for yourself.

    Planning your own funeral ahead of time can help prevent some of the stress your family and friends will feel at the time of your passing. Rather than dealing with the details and financial responsibilities in the final farewell, your loved ones can focus on celebrating your life and healing.

    This makes an extremely stressful event less stressful.

    Within hours and days after a death, family and friends rush to get ready for the funeral. But unless they have planned funerals in the past, those responsible for funeral planning may not know where to start or how to make the necessary decisions. If they are not financially prepared, it can be difficult for them to budget for funerals or to understand what decisions need to be made.

    This relieves the financial burden on your family.

    Getting a pre-need life plan helps mitigate some of the financial conflicts your family will have to deal with. Your bank accounts and assets may not be available for a period of time until your estate is settled, which means your family will have to absorb the funeral expenses. Life insurance policies are also time-consuming and most funeral homes require payment before services are rendered.

    It gives you total control over your last farewell.

    Your funeral can have a long-term impact on your family, friends, and those who are close to you. What kind of legacy would you leave behind? A lot of people haven’t thought much about their own funerals, but funeral preparations can help you convey your last wishes to your loved ones.

    When you make all your arrangements and cover the financial expenses yourself, you leave something beautiful behind for those you like.

    What if a family member passed without a pre-need life plan? Here’s how you can save on funeral expenses. You can also reach out to some government agencies to help you with the expenses.  You can read the details here.

    To avail yourself of a pre-need life plan, you can go to this link. Need assistance? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

  • Right Words To Say To The Bereaved

    Right Words To Say To The Bereaved

    When a relative, a friend, or colleague lost someone dear to them, we will try to console them. A grieving person can say one of the worst about themselves and it’s OK. It may be logical for a member of the clergy to say, “He is in a better place” when someone comes to them for advice. While an acquaintance who says it may not feel right.

    Picking the right words you can say to someone doesn’t have to be hard. When you speak from the bottom of your heart, you will always find the right words to say that can ease someone’s pain at a funeral.

    Remember, actions speak louder than words

    In the Philippines, it is common to hold a wake before the funeral. Simply showing up already means so much to the bereaved family. You can bring some food, refreshments or coffee, fruits, or offer some help such as picking up the flowers, helping with the funeral arrangements, taking care of the children, etc. Don’t wait for the person to reach out to you. You need to reach out to the person. Because at this moment, they might be confused and overwhelmed, your tiny actions would be a big help to them already.

    Right Words To Say To The Bereaved

    Here are ten right things to say when the person you know lost someone:

    1. I am so sorry for your loss. 

    2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care. 

    3. I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can. 

    4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers. 

    5. My favorite memory of your loved one is… 

    6. I am always just a phone call away 

    7. Give a hug instead of saying something 

    8. We all need help at times like this, I am here for you 

    9. I am usually up early or late if you need anything 

    10. Saying nothing, just be with the person

    When a close friend, relative, or colleague lost someone so dear to them, there is no way that you can fix their pain. Allow them to grieve and be sad about what is happening around them. Give them space when they need it or be there for them because that is the only thing you can do for them. Check them once in a while. Remember, there is no right or wrong in grieving. But can always make things a little bit better for the bereaved person.

  • Mourning The Death Of A Child

    Mourning The Death Of A Child

    No parent is prepared for the demise of a child. Simply, children do not die first before their parents. It seems unnatural. However, we cannot control life. And, death could happen to anyone. So, it is important to remember that time spent with your child does not determine the extent of your loss. A child’s loss goes deep at any age.

    You could also feel pain for the hopes and dreams you had for your child, the potential that will never come into being, and the experiences that you will never share. If you have lost your only child, you may also feel that you have lost your identity as a parent and potentially the opportunity for grandchildren. The pain of this loss will always be with you. Yet, over time, most parents find a way to move on and begin to relive the happiness and meaning of life.

    Mourning the death of a child

    Every parent grieves differently

    Parents can be affected in different ways based on their gender and their daily role in a child’s life. One parent may find that speaking helps, while the other may need calm time to cry alone. Cultural expectations and role differences also have an impact on how parents deal with grief. Men are often expected to control their feelings, be strong and take over the family. One can expect women to cry openly and want to talk about their bereavement.

    If you are a working parent, you could get more involved in your job to avoid the sadness and daily reminders at home. A stay-at-home parent can be surrounded by constant reminders and feel a lack of purpose now that their employment as a caregiver has come to an abrupt end. This is especially true for a parent who has spent months, if not years, caring for a cancer-stricken child.

    Differences in grief can cause relational difficulties at a time when parents are in greatest need of each other’s support. One parent may believe that the other is not grieving properly or that the absence of open mourning means that they love the child less. Speak openly with your partner about your grieving. Work towards understanding and accepting the coping styles of others.

    Find something to live for.

    You should expect never to truly “get over” your child’s death. But you will learn how to live with loss, which is a part of who you are. The death of your child can make you think about your priorities and the meaning of life. This may sound impossible, but you can find bliss and purpose in life again.

    For some parents, a milestone can be the creation of a legacy for their child. You can choose to pay homage to your child by volunteering in a local hospital or a cancer support organization. Or you can work to support your child’s interests when you do, start a memorial fund, or plant trees in your child’s memory. It is important to remember that it is never unfair to your child to go back into life and enjoy new experiences.

    Every one of your kids makes a difference in your life. They teach you new ways of loving, new things about finding joy, and new ways of looking at the world. Part of every child’s legacy is that the changes they bring to your family continue after death. The memories of happy times you spent with your child and the love you shared will live and always be a part of you.

  • How To Differentiate A Good Funeral Home From A Bad One?

    How To Differentiate A Good Funeral Home From A Bad One?

    Right after losing a loved one, emotions can be intense, while thoughts can be confusing or lost. Sadly, this is the state in which you may also need to make difficult decisions, including choosing a funeral home for afterlife services. With so many options available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find out which funeral home is the right choice for you. 

    To help you, we created a list to help you distinguish the good funeral home from the bad one:

    How updated is your funeral home? 

    You can find out a great deal about a funeral home via their website or at least social media pages such as Facebook. Although most of the funeral homes in the Philippines have not embraced the technology yet, it would be convenient for their customers to be able to reach them online. A good funeral home will have an easy-to-read and understandable website and updated social media pages. If their site is up-to-date and allows you easy access to funeral directors to ask questions, then it is likely that the funeral home is also modern and functional. This means they might be able to respond to requests for memorial videos, celebration playlists, or other digital requests. A funeral home that refuses to embrace modernity and grow with the world as it is changing may present difficulties that make it less than ideal for your needs.

    If you have a funeral-related business and would like to list your business on Funerallink, please go to this link. 

    Does your funeral home have price transparency? 

    A good funeral home will always be honest with you regarding prices and funeral expenses. You should know exactly how you get your money’s worth, with all the details provided to you. Although some funeral homes are more expensive than others, this can often be related to the quality of care provided and the type of services chosen. A number of funeral homes offer payment plans for their services, as well as pre-planning and pre-pay options.   If the funeral home you are in contact with does not include pricing information when you request it, you can nearly guarantee that they will try to sell you or include hidden fees and fees.

    How To Differentiate A Good Funeral Home From A Bad One?

    Do you find your funeral home accommodating? 

    Each funeral service is different, as well as each life celebrated is different. A good funeral home knows this and whenever possible to create the service you want to help express the lived life. Great funeral homes will have knowledgeable and experienced funeral directors ready to meet your needs.  It includes suggestions for flowers and programs as well as contacts with officiants and celebrants to address all specific religious needs. Your funeral directors should provide comfort, expertise, and support to create a service that stays within your budget. If your funeral home is rigid and uncompromising, they may have a strict rule that is easy and profitable for them. Under these circumstances, you may sometimes find the funeral home cutting corners or even limiting your ability to express your loved one’s life.

    Is your funeral parlor legal and have the necessary permits required by law? 

    The best funeral homes are actively involved in their communities. They are culturally and economically connected to the city where they live. They have all the necessary business permits and licenses required by the government. Their website reviews will be real people speaking about their real experiences. If the funeral home you’re looking at doesn’t present itself that way, it may be a huge red flag. Get out and don’t turn around.

    Is your funeral home readily available when you need them? 

    During the swirling period after the loss of a loved one, you need the help and support of a committed funeral home. The best funeral homes will have dedicated individuals available to talk to you when you need them, day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Funeral directors and their assistants will treat you with compassion and kindness, making additional efforts to answer any questions or provide planning suggestions. If the funeral home you are considering is unavailable when you need it, you should look somewhere else. Now is the time to request assistance, and if a funeral home is not available to you, you should find one that is.

    Our funeral home partners are honored to be of service and support to you during this difficult time, offering advice and compassion while seamlessly assisting you in planning a funeral service. Your loved one deserves to be buried where they will be cared for with the same care in death as they were in his life. You may book a funeral service here without additional charges.

  • Five Celebration of Life Service Ideas

    Five Celebration of Life Service Ideas

    If you are thinking of celebrating life to honor a loved one, check out these service ideas and other useful information about celebrating life.

    One of the most significant aspects of bereavement is the end of the process. A celebration of life can provide an important part of this healing and is a tradition that many come to think of as incredibly cathartic. 

    What is the Difference Between a Celebration of Life and a Memorial Service?

    The difference between a celebration of life and a memorial service can be readily explained by the thought: modern versus traditional.  While there is not really a bad way to say goodbye, there are a few decisions you will need to make. Like how the service you plan to honor your loved one will resemble and feel. 

    Of course, there is the more traditional itinerary of a formal commemorative service. Memorial services often have a religious theme or undertone and are generally (but not always) planned relatively soon after the death of your loved one.

    Memorial services often have a religious theme or tone and are typically (but not always) planned relatively shortly after the death of the loved one. 

    This can be what you want to do. These celebrations tend to truly emphasize the joy that one loved one brings to others. It may be religious too, but it is also common for a celebration of life to have no religious aspect.

    Why Choose a “Celebration of Life” Service? 

    Many people decide to honor their loved ones with a celebration of life as a way to bring a joyful and unique feeling to the day. Quite often, the personality of the deceased influences the type of celebration or commemoration we choose to have. Maybe you bid farewell to someone who will be remembered for their love of life, who had a very cheerful spirit. Perhaps he or she had said that they did not want a sad or depressing day in their honor.

    At times, traditional burials may feel very heavy and dark. If this does not represent how your loved one lived his or her life, or if it does not appear to be the best way to remember them.  Maybe a celebration of life would be better. During service, you can choose to focus on the happiness your loved one has brought to all others. You can make the day one that encompasses all the memories that you will keep forever in your heart.

    Five Celebration of Life Service Ideas

    5 Memorable Celebration of Life Service Ideas

    If you have decided that you are surely a celebration of life is the perfect way to honor a special loved one, and say goodbye to them, the next step is to plan the ceremony. 

    There is no right or wrong way to do this, especially if you have confidence in your heart on the way. Whether you are looking for a celebration of life ideas or need inspiration, we have found some special and touching ways that you can plan to celebrate a lost life.

    1. Share significant memories with one another.

    Gatherings of any size, big or small, can be all the more significant stories about the lost loved one can be shared. It can stir up a variety of emotions, from laughter to tears, and promises to have a feeling of healing and closure in the process.

    Here are some great ways to spark conversation and make people laugh and share stories: 

    2. Set up a garden to celebrate life.

    Your loved one did not need to be a gardener to make this sweet idea something that no one soon forgets. The idea is that life is circular and that new growth and new life will continue to take place. Even long after we’ve left, it’s a sentimental, symbolic way to celebrate your beloved.

    Ask the guests to bring their favorite seed or seedling with them to serve. Once you come together, plant each other’s contribution into what will be a beautiful garden that commemorates a well-lived life. You can even ask every guest to share a special memento as they plant their seeds or little flower or plant. 

    3. Organize a “paddle out” celebration.

    Paddle-out ceremonies can be spiritual and beautiful, especially if you honor someone who was a keen surfer or loved the ocean or the beach.

    For this floating memorial service, guests paddle surfboards, usually carrying flowers or leis as they form a human circle. If your loved one has been cremated, you may even scatter some or all of his ashes in the water at the ceremony.

    4. Use music to commemorate.

    Music has a particular way to capture our hearts’ difficult moments. Your loved one does not need to have been a musician for you to focus on the music you use when celebrating their life.

    A gentle thought is to ask each guest to contribute a song that is somehow special to their relationship with the deceased. Set up a playlist to play the service based on all input. Take the idea a step further and ask each person to share their reason for the song they selected.

    5. Plan a balloon or lantern release 

    Lantern launches have become particularly popular in recent years, mainly in Western culture. There is something really magical about letting a paper lantern float away with the thoughts and prayers of your beloved being at the center of liberation. 

    Although balloons may have a similar impact, there are environmental concerns about their liberation as a memorial. Lanterns, however, are generally ecologically friendly. 

    A release is a beautiful and memorable way to give guests a sense of finality and peace at the end of the celebration.

  • The Most Popular Flowers for Funerals in the Philippines

    The Most Popular Flowers for Funerals in the Philippines

    Ever wonder why flowers are always present even in the funeral? Losing a loved one is not easy. Even if you think you are ready for the death of a family member, it would still hurt so deeply. Because nobody will ever be ready for it. Flowers have a way of making things a little bit better. It is the simplest yet very profound way of sending your sympathies to the bereaved. But do you know that the kind and color of the flowers matter?

    The Most Popular Flowers for Funerals in the Philippines

    Here are the most popular flowers for funerals in the Philippines and their meanings:

    Chrysanthemum 

    Also known as “mums”. Because mums grow in most places, they are readily available. They come in various colors and sizes which is perfect for different kinds of arrangements. Not to mention that it is the most affordable flower in the Philippines. In other European cultures, chrysanthemum represents ‘death’.

    Rose

    If you are looking for a flower that represents your deep relationship with the deceased, rose is perfect. Rose is the universal flower for love and respect. Yellow rose represents close relationship and friendship while pink means grace and commemoration. Red rose means, true love. While some other cultures try not to have bright colors in the funeral, it maybe does not hurt to mix some red roses in your sympathy flower to show how much you really love the deceased.

    Lily

    If you like to add some elegance to your memorial flower, add some lilies, particularly the white ones. White lilies represent peace, grace and dignity. It also means purity and innocence.

    Daisy

    Just like mums, daisies can thrive in tropical climates. They are available in different colors but white is the most popular flower color at the funeral. Traditionally, daisies are used for children and infants may be because of their delicate petals. 

    The next time you show your sympathies to the bereaved family and would like to bring some flowers, consider the kind and color of the flowers. Think of your relationship with the deceased so the flower can best represent your feelings about losing someone who was once (or still is) so dear to you.

    Our funeral business partner, San Fernando Funeral Homes, offers memorial flower arrangements. They deliver at your preferred location at an affordable rate. This is very helpful especially when you are unable to physically attend a funeral to show your last respect to the deceased.

  • Five Ways to Help You Save Money on Funeral Expenses

    Five Ways to Help You Save Money on Funeral Expenses

    Inflation has a negative impact on the funeral industry as well. But then, who would consider funeral expenses, especially when you are healthy and capable? True, until death comes. The cheapest funeral package in the Philippines is PHP 30,000. It includes the casket, embalming, retrieval of the body, viewing equipment/paraphernalia, and more. For the average Filipino who lives from paycheck to paycheck, that figure could already be too high.

    Five Ways to Help You Save Money on Funeral Expenses

    Here are five ways to help you save money on funeral expenses:

    Skip embalming

    Embalming is the process of adding chemicals to the dead body to slow decomposition. This process does not necessarily have to take place, but burial must take place immediately.

    Opt for cremation over traditional burial

    You can choose to directly cremate the deceased right away or hold a public viewing for a couple of days. You still need embalming if you are going to hold a public viewing. Cremation would still save you money, as you do not need to purchase a memorial land.

    Use free venue for the public viewing

    In the Philippines, it is common to hold public viewing in the family’s home or in a religious venue (“kapilya”). The “kapilya” might not be entirely free, but still, it is cheaper compared to renting a memorial chapel. 

    Immediate burial

    By immediately burying the deceased, all you have to do is pay for the internment, the casket, the memorial grounds, the legal costs for government documents, and so on.

    Use the Internet

    Many people do not think of it as an expense, but it is. Send a funeral announcement, thank you cards, and obituaries on the Internet. In the Philippines, Facebook is widely used and it is free. 

    Do you know Angelica Life Plan makes funerals much more affordable?

    Angelica Life Plan is a fixed value life plan with increasing memorial service benefits. As low as PHP 540 per month, you are freeing yourself and your family from financial burden when death comes. It might sound so eerie thinking that you are planning a funeral while everyone in the family is so healthy and able. But death is inevitable. The only thing we can do is plan ahead.

    The pre-need life plan of Angelica already includes retrieval of the body, casket/urn, embalming, cosmetology, internment, public viewing light, and other paraphernalia, assistance in processing the government documents, and more. To know more about the Angelica Life Plan, please go here.